New Year’s Day clearly holds its significance, and, in my house, Martin Luther King Jr. weekend really marks the end of the holiday season. But here in Harrisburg, the Governor giving his annual budget address sets the stage for the year.
On Tuesday, the entire Commonwealth watched with bated breath as Governor Shapiro briefly spoke about his budget priorities for the next fiscal year. Actually, that last sentence is a bit of an exaggeration.
First, the Governor’s address was not brief, coming in at a little over an hour and a half. The time was broken up by rousing applause signaling broad or partisan approval, like the extended roars when the Governor called for a $15 minimum wage, as well as the less frequent but no less important golf clap to give the Governor time to take a sip of water.
When all was said and done, the pundits and rival party messages took over and I, frankly, tuned out. The time for talking is over. We have a lot of work to do to turn policy proposals into law.
The budget address in early February sets the stage for the legislative year and could lead to us passing legislation that ranges from banning cell phones in schools to sealing tenants’ eviction records, to setting guardrails for data center development. Only time will tell, but the clock has started.
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This week we advanced a few bills that will direct the Department of Education to offer local districts with model policy language and resources to better care for our student’s well-being.
My legislation, HB 1648, would create recommended policy language to connect students who choose to take a day off from school to address their mental health with better supports once they return to the building. Leaning on the state’s Student Assistance Program, our districts can and must ensure that they are permitting students to step away from school when they need to, and are met with responsive, compassionate, respectful care when they return. This bill advanced out of committee by a party-line vote of 14-12 on Wednesday and can be taken up by the full House when we return to session in late March.
Rep. Mary Jo Daley, one of my favorite colleagues, who represents the Lower Merion area, has worked diligently on HB 460, legislation that would direct each school to offer age-appropriate and evidence-based child abuse awareness and prevention programming. I wish we didn’t still need to wrestle with this, but we do. I pray that those in our community who are aware of abuse or neglect take the admittedly difficult decision to alert a teacher, police officer or medical professional of your concerns. Child abuse is rarely ever intended but should also never be glossed over. HB 460 passed the House by a vote of 105-93 with 1 Democrat voting No and 5 Republicans voting Yes. There are currently 5 vacant seats in the House which is why there weren’t 203 votes cast.
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Standing With Our Immigrant Communities
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State Representative Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, Chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus, and I as Chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, recently issued a joint statement in response to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s purchase of a 520,000-square-foot warehouse in Berks County that is slated to be used as an immigration detention facility.
Representative Cepeda-Freytiz raised concerns about the impact of ICE enforcement across the country, noting that these actions have led to family separation, aggressive raids, and the targeting of individuals who pose no threat to public safety. She emphasized that these practices have created fear and instability, particularly within immigrant communities.
We also warned that ICE’s plans to establish a detention operation in Berks County risk provoking fear, disrupting families, and endangering the wellbeing of neighbors regardless of citizenship status. Berks County has previously housed an ICE detention facility, which ultimately closed after years of sustained community advocacy, a history she stressed should not be overlooked.
I condemned ICE’s plans and reaffirmed my commitment to civil rights and community safety: We are seeing a clear move by ICE to plant roots in Pennsylvania once again. Their actions have brought terror to our neighbors, especially immigrant communities and communities of color. We stand united in the all-too-familiar fight for civil rights.
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Rosa Parks Day in Pennsylvania
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Monday, February 9th, is Rosa Parks Day in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania recognizes the day on the first Monday after her birthday, February 4th. The day honors Rosa Parks’ legacy and her pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, particularly her courage in challenging segregation and injustice.
Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus in 1955 sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott and became a defining moment in the fight for civil rights. Her actions serve as a reminder that progress often begins when everyday people stand up to unfair systems.
As debates continue across the country around voting rights, racial justice, and equal treatment under the law, Rosa Parks Day offers an opportunity to reflect on how her legacy connects to the challenges we still face today. It is a reminder that protecting civil rights requires continued vigilance, advocacy, and community engagement.
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on township events & updates
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Click on the image below for information
on active state programs
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Tailgate Responsibly This Weekend
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The Big Game is this weekend. But does it matter if the Eagles aren't in it? Whoever your choice is to win, be safe this weekend. ????
Be the MVP of the night by being the sober designated driver at your football party.
Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.
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Please Donate Heart Healthy Foods in February:
Jenkintown Food Cupboard
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Jenkintown Cupboard can't thank their supporters enough!
Every donation no matter how small is appreciated and makes a difference!
Jenkintown Food Cupboard is turning their Wish List into a Heart Healthy theme as a nod to Valentine's Day. Please see their poster above for ideas.
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Celebrate Birds & Nature During the
29th Annual 2026 Great Backyard Bird Count
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Take a moment to celebrate what birds and nature give us during the annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), happening February 13–16, 2026.
Spending time outdoors watching birds can reduce stress, lift your mood, and connect you more deeply with the natural world. Each February, bird and nature lovers everywhere unite to tally as many of the world’s bird species as possible over four days. Combined with other bird counts, GBBC results help scientists better understand how birds are faring amid habitat loss, climate change, and other challenges.
Participating is easy! Count birds for 15 minutes or more and submit what you see using the Merlin Bird ID or eBird app.
You can count from your backyard, a local park, a neighborhood street, a balcony, or anywhere birds are found.
Learn more and get ready to participate here!
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James R. Roebuck PLBC Scholarship 2026
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This prestigious scholarship was named after Mr. James R. Roebuck- former member of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus (PLBC) and champion for education. Mr. Roebuck served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1985-2020 and served as chair of both the House Education Committee and the PLBC.
Successful applicants will receive a $1,500 scholarship made possible by the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus Foundation for educational purposes. Students are encouraged to use the scholarship award for tuition, fees, books, or school-related supplies and equipment.
Applicants must be a:
- Resident of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
- Person of color
- Graduating high school senior or current undergraduate college student
The Deadline for registration is 5pm on Friday, February 20, 2026. Applicants are responsible for submitting all material to the PLBC on time. Incomplete applications will not be evaluated.
Apply now!
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Celebrating Black History Month & Women's History Month:
Navigating Succession Planning
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Montgomery County, PA Commerce Department is excited to invite you to an upcoming Business Breakthrough Roundtable: “Navigating Succession Planning,” celebrating Black History Month and Women’s History Month. This session is designed for minority and women-owned business leaders with established for-profit businesses that have been in operation for 10 years or more and will offer practical insight on succession planning, building generational wealth, and sustainable business models.
Date: February 24, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Location: Normandy Farms, Dowry Room, 1401 Morris Rd., Blue Bell, PA 19422
Lunch will be provided; free parking is available on site. Space is limited and registration will close once full.
To join us, please register here - https://forms.office.com/r/jed1xuMA49
This event is hosted by the Montgomery County Commerce Department.
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Cheltenham Avenue Corridor Study Feedback
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Do you travel along Cheltenham Avenue?
Help make it safer for everyone who walks, drives, bikes, or rolls.
A corridor study is underway to explore ways to reduce speeding and improve roadway design along Cheltenham Avenue (SR 2035), from Paper Mill Road to Ogontz Avenue.
Share your ideas by taking the survey and adding comments to the interactive map.
?? Visit the project website to learn more and watch for an upcoming public meeting.
Community input will play a vital role in shaping the future of Cheltenham Avenue.
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Congratulations! You've reached the end of the weekly email.
Did you know? Passed on March 1, 1780, Pennsylvania's " Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery" was the first such legislative act in the United States, freeing children born to enslaved people after that date upon reaching age 28. It prohibited further importation of slaves, required registration, and made Pennsylvania a crucial early haven for freedom seekers.
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Harrisburg Office
325 Irvis Office Building
PO Box 202154
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-1079
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Glenside Office
115 East Glenside Avenue
Suite 8
Glenside, PA 19038
(215) 572-5210
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